Method and apparatus for removing and disposing of body fluids

Abstract

A method of removing body fluids from a patient and disposing of the body fluids, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a container including a bottom wall having therein a drain, (b) providing a drainage device for automatically opening the drain and draining the contents of the container, (c) collecting body fluids in the container, (d) placing the container on the drainage device, and (e) operating the drainage device so that the drainage device opens the drain and drains the contents of the container.

We claim:  
     
       1. A method for draining fluid from a suction canister, said method comprising the steps: 
       placing a suction canister having therein a drain port and a cover over the drain port in communication with a drainage device, the suction canister containing fluid; and  
       actuating the drainage device to dislodge the cover to allow fluid to flow out of the suction canister via the drain port such that the cover remains attached to the suction canister.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein in the actuating step, the cover remains attached to the suction canister in a fixed position. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the drainage device includes a moveable tool that dislodges the cover. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein the tool moves upwardly to dislodge the cover. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 3  wherein the tool maintains the cover in the fixed position. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein in the actuating step, the drainage devices dislodges the cover by pivoting the cover into the interior of the suction canister. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the cover is integral with the suction canister, and wherein in the actuating step, said cover is pivoted about a hinge between the suction canister and the cover. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein in the actuating step, the cover dislodges from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein the suction canister has a bottom wall, and wherein the port is located in the bottom wall. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein in the actuating step, the cover is pivotally dislodged from the port. 
     
     
       11. A method for draining fluid from a suction canister, said method comprising the steps: 
       placing a suction canister having therein a covered drain port in communication with a drainage device, the suction canister containing fluid; and  
       actuating the drainage device to uncover the drain port and allow the fluid to flow out of the suction canister via the drain port.  
     
     
       12. A method of draining fluid contained in a suction canister having therein a drain, said method comprising the steps: 
       placing the suction canister in communication with a drainage device, and  
       operating the drainage device so that a tool is actuated to open the drain of the suction canister to thereby drain the fluid contained in the suction canister.